Tesla Model X P90D Test Drive Review

Bloomberg recently tested the Tesla Model X P90D in California, taking the all-electric SUV on a journey from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara.

During the review, there are not many negatives pointed out about the Tesla, as the Model X truly does set a lot of new benchmarks in the utility segment.

The performance, handling and quiet drive experience are all reportedly big improvements over what else is available in the market.

As for the downside, according to the review, perhaps the brakes could be slightly improved – “they can feel too light and late if hard-pressed“.

The Falcon Wing side doors are a “friends-maker” feature, but really aren’t that quick to access as a regular doors (and thus not as useful in most situations).

Bloomberg finds that the 17-inch touch screen works well, as does the internal mapping and navigation systems (planned routes are sometimes longer than could be, but at the same time, the software ensures that there are charging points available on most routes just in case).

With 250 miles of EPA range, the Tesla Model X P90D is one of the few long-range EVs on the market today – and the only long range electric utility vehicle, but in some cases of daily intense use, Bloomberg finds it could still come up short:

“If you charge a Model X at home over night, every night, battery life probably won’t ever be an issue for you—you get 255 miles on a single charge, with a full-charge taking around two hours. Tesla says the efficiency is equivalent to 90 mpg. But if you plan to use the car for hours on hours every day, you’re going to need to readjust your expectations for defining personal mobility.

It was not fun to start a 340-mile road trip to L.A. early one morning to make a 10 a.m. business meeting. I estimated that I’d have to charge the car once. I had to charge it twice. I was more than a little late by the time I arrived.”

The review ends with question about whether or not potential buyers are ready for “the electric lifestyle.”

“If a “normal” luxury car purchase is a statement of personal philosophy, progressiveness, status, and values, the purchase of a Model X makes twice as strong a statement.”

9 responses to "Tesla Model X P90D Test Drive Review"

The brakes are a bit light, and the touchscreen responsiveness is noticeably slower than the Model S, but the panoramic windshield is killer, and for families who want to drive sustainably, there is no comparison. Once all the manufacturing and rear seat positioning kinks are worked out the X will be nearly perfect. It really is stunning.

A 340 mile road trip to make a 10am business meeting? Come on! I drive 340 miles in one day maybe once a year. And it’s called vacation! That’s 6 hours of driving easily. A normal human would make the drive the day before and get a hotel room to be fresh for the 10am meeting.
And the comment about a 2 hour charge time i don’t understand. Even if you have the hpwc and 72 amp charger, its longer than 2 hours. And you’re not taking 2 hours to charge at a supercharger, so what is she talking about? Clueless.

Among other things, this is a testament to how far we have to go for the public at large to understand/appreciate what they are getting into. These days, it’s no worse than ICE in terms of thinking and planning, but the plan is different.